by Nicole Morse and Bradley Wall
Editor’s Note: This pair of work is part of Follow Your Art Community Studios’ 5th annual Art of Words exhibit. For the exhibit, artist Nicole shared her painting, titled “Ashes to Ashes,” with writer Brad, who wrote a poem in response. The exhibit, which features the work of 28 FYA artists and writers, has been extended until November 16, 2025.
Ashes to Ashes
by Nicole Morse
by Bradley Wall
(Prompt)
(Response)
Set alight
The flicking forth of flames
Consume the canvas—more and more pieces
Holding tight, awaiting its end
As its center smoked and its life sent
Heavenly.
Flickering forth, tender tongues of flame
Search for artful promise and devour
The delicious scene with fiery acclaim.
The hungry licks wrap around
The stalwart can, sending ashes
Bottomward toward no escape.
The coalesced orange-red colors
Create something new.
The searing orange and reds engulfing paint
Fuel their very end—ashes, falling faint
Into the Tartarean can holding such weight
Of the demise of one life, and,
Yet, within besmoked air, lingering in such height
Breathes anew in total transformation.
Nicole Morse has a background in interior design, sewing, and collage, and recently took up painting. She works at FYACS and loves expressing herself through a variety of mediums, mentoring local teens through our CYO program, and teaching elementary-aged children in FYA’s classes..
Bradley Wall is a writer-in-residence at Follow Your Art and enjoys working at the Melrose Public Library as a librarian assistant. He thoroughly loves reading and writing a variety of genres, especially poetry!